Artist Statement

I’ve always felt the need to explain the sense that there is a larger force at work in the universe. Painting didn’t come to me as a desire to create at first, but as an exploration of color as a tool in theatrical presentation. My first efforts were less than representational and more expressionistic color patterns. The evolution to more realistic imagery always limited the standard contexts of subject, foreground, background, etc – to direct identification of the specific item: river, tree, or flower.

We have a prolific rose garden at our home in SW Denver. Almost daily throughout the summer my wife cuts off the spent roses and places them in a basket, awaiting disposal into the trash can. Many times I would see the remnants and wish I could preserve the final bouquet, which was so valiant in this simple, concentrated context. Out of these moments began the inspiration for the Deadhead series. Not a great name, but a true recognition of the continuing isolation of colors and patterns from realistic elements. I hope to carry forward this choice to utilize strong images, refined to their essence, bringing forth an art which is sublime and accessible.